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Five Questions With...Justin Meram

By: Adam Jardy

The Columbus Dispatch - September 26, 2012 09:25 AM

Five questions with Crew midfielder/forward Justin Meram.

(Note: interview took place three weeks ago.)

1. If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you be doing with your life?
“I went to school and was a bio major. I wanted to be pre-dental, so I think I would’ve stuck with that and saw where my future would have went.”

2. What was the hardest part about transferring in college?
“Soccer-wise, the level was just more physical. Out there in Arizona there was a lot of skill, a lot of foreign players playing JUCO. The Big Ten was just big, fast guys. That was an adjustment. Junior year was a bit tough. Senior year I figured it out and took advantage of it. School-wise, Michigan is one of the top programs in the world academically so it was very demanding. I had to get tutors and the classes I was taking weren’t the easiest, so that was a lot on me. Plus, two sports was very tough. I had a lot on my plate but I surrounded myself with good people and got things done.”

3. What’s it like being a Wolverine in Columbus?
“I love every bit of it. I love the whole camaraderie. That’s what all of sports is about. It’s all about the rivalry. I always joke around and feel like people take me a little too seriously. I feel like to all the fans, they love their school and I love mine. It’s all one big joke, so don’t take it too seriously.”

4. Do you have a top moment in your soccer career?
“I think it would have to be my freshman year, national finals, I had two goals and a PK. We were down 3-2 and I had a goal with a minute left to take it to overtime and then we won in shootouts. That brought the first national championship. I feel like that is the one I’ve held onto the most.”

5. Outside of soccer, do you have a favorite athlete?
“Lebron James is up there. Ronaldo. I just love the way they can change a game just by themselves. Just tremendous athletes and they always have so much pressure. I’ve always been a player that likes to play under pressure. I feel like that’s when I play my best and I want that pressure. I look up to those guys and watch clips of them. Floyd Mayweather, I watch a lot of clips on him. His attitude is not one liked, but he works so hard and people only see the outside of him. To train that hard and have that record is pretty remarkable.”